Rwandan peacekeepers in Haiti renovate prison

RWANDA’S Formed Police Unit (RWAFPU) serving under the United Nations mission in Haiti last week participated in the renovation of the Prison Civile de Jeremie in the Central American country. The prison compound rehabilitated by the Rwandan peacekeepers is estimated at 471 square-metres and it was inaugurated by the RWAFPU commander, among other senior officials from the mission. The construction materials were provided from the regional headquarters of the UN Stabilisation Mission in Haiti, MINUSTAH, according to a statement from Rwanda National Police. Rwanda’s Formed Police Unit provided the minor engineering tools and technicians. The rehabilitation work started on April 18 with nine RWAFPU technicians. It was completed on May 17. After rehabilitation, the staff of the Haitian correctional service and detainees appreciated the activity and the cooperation between MINUSTAH and Haiti Government. The contingent commander, Chief Supt. Desire Twizere, said: “It is the spirit of Rwanda National Police to support national programmes in the country or abroad. This is a modern policy of preventing crimes by engaging the community in social activities.” Engagements Of recent, Rwanda’s contingent has engaged in various activities such as community work exercise, playing friendly matches, all aimed at cementing harmony among Haitians. Such activities create platform for sharing information that lead to sustainable security and development. Football also contributes towards the healing process given the fact that Haitians have gone through hardships caused by the earthquake, Police said. “It’s through initiatives such as community policing where sharing of timely information between citizens and police lead to crime prevention,” it added. Rwanda National Police maintains a contingent of 160 officers in Haiti after the country was badly devastated by the 2010 earthquake that claimed lives of over 200,000 people and destroyed social infrastructure and other amenities.